Fourier Series of modulus[t] - example of this?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fourier Series of the function f(t) = [t] over the interval -π < t < π, with a period T = 2π. Participants are exploring the coefficients a0 and an, and there is some confusion regarding the definition of the function and its representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to find resources for worked examples of Fourier Series, specifically for the function f(t) = [t]. There is a discussion about the differences between the original function and the absolute value function, with questions raised about the implications of these differences on the Fourier coefficients.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing links to examples and questioning the definitions and calculations of the Fourier coefficients. There is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of the function or the resulting coefficients, but productive questions about the integration process and assumptions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the definition of the function [t] and its comparison to |t|, which may affect the calculations of the Fourier coefficients. Participants are also discussing potential errors in notation related to the variable used in the equations.

ZedCar
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Homework Statement



Does anyone know of a website, or a book, where I can see a worked example of the Fourier Series

f(t) = [t]
-∏<t<∏
T=2∏

Finding a0 and an

Of course, it doesn't have to be t, it could be x or any other variable.

Thank you.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You have defined the function as
f(t) = [t]
-∏<t<∏
T=2∏
but that is not the example that you show worked out. The example that you show worked out is this one
f(t) = |t|
-∏<t<∏
T=2∏
This difference being that, in the latter case, the function between - π and +π is the absolute value of t; in the original problem statement, as you gave it, [t] is not really a well defined function.

The absolute value function is an even function, so when we proceed to evaluate the coefficients for the Fourier series, the first one works out as

ao = [itex]\frac{1}{2π}[/itex]∫π f(t) dt
= [itex]\frac{1}{π}[/itex]∫0π t dt
=[itex]\frac{π}{2}[/itex]

The others follow in the usual fashion with the cosine multiplication.
 
ZedCar said:
I've found an example here;
http://www.exampleproblems.com/wiki/index.php/FS1

Why is it that in my notes 'an' = -4/[∏(k^2)]
That should be either n or k, not both, in your equation. Let's just use n.

What does the result of the integration give you when you assume n is odd and n is even?
 

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